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Mnangagwa warns underperforming councils
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has raised alarm over the persistent failure by some local authorities to produce audited financial statements, warning that decisive action is being considered to enforce greater accountability and transparency in municipal governance.
Speaking in Bulawayo during the official launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy, President Mnangagwa expressed growing frustration with councils that continue to operate without financial oversight, saying the government may be forced to act.
"I'm thinking of ways of dealing with local authorities that are lagging behind on their audited financial statements," the President said. "Should they pull up their socks or we fire them? What should we do?" he asked the gathered delegates, drawing murmurs of agreement.
His remarks reflect mounting pressure on local authorities to align with national efforts to improve governance, deliver quality public services, and enhance fiscal responsibility. Several urban councils have come under criticism in recent years for poor financial management, delayed audits, and alleged misuse of public funds, resulting in erratic service delivery and crumbling infrastructure.
Mnangagwa underscored the government's resolve to strengthen accountability mechanisms and clamp down on municipal inefficiencies, saying the time for tolerance of malpractice is fast running out.
Turning to employment practices within local authorities, the President called for transparency, merit-based recruitment, and fairness in public sector hiring. "As you employ, please practise openness and prudence," he said. "No to nepotism. One should be employed based on qualifications."
Mnangagwa also emphasized the importance of protecting worker dignity and ensuring fair compensation for council employees, amid rising concerns over low morale and salary backlogs in several municipalities.
The President's call forms part of a broader government agenda to restore credibility in local governance and improve service delivery standards in line with Vision 2030.
Under the new Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework, local authorities are expected to meet specific performance targets in critical areas such as water provision, refuse collection, road maintenance, and housing delivery.
Meanwhile, the newly launched Urban State Land Management Policy seeks to curb corruption in land allocation and enhance urban planning, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
As public frustration over service failures continues to grow, Mnangagwa's warning signals a potentially tougher stance on councils that fail to meet basic governance and financial reporting obligations.
Speaking in Bulawayo during the official launch of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework and the Urban State Land Management Policy, President Mnangagwa expressed growing frustration with councils that continue to operate without financial oversight, saying the government may be forced to act.
"I'm thinking of ways of dealing with local authorities that are lagging behind on their audited financial statements," the President said. "Should they pull up their socks or we fire them? What should we do?" he asked the gathered delegates, drawing murmurs of agreement.
His remarks reflect mounting pressure on local authorities to align with national efforts to improve governance, deliver quality public services, and enhance fiscal responsibility. Several urban councils have come under criticism in recent years for poor financial management, delayed audits, and alleged misuse of public funds, resulting in erratic service delivery and crumbling infrastructure.
Mnangagwa underscored the government's resolve to strengthen accountability mechanisms and clamp down on municipal inefficiencies, saying the time for tolerance of malpractice is fast running out.
Turning to employment practices within local authorities, the President called for transparency, merit-based recruitment, and fairness in public sector hiring. "As you employ, please practise openness and prudence," he said. "No to nepotism. One should be employed based on qualifications."
Mnangagwa also emphasized the importance of protecting worker dignity and ensuring fair compensation for council employees, amid rising concerns over low morale and salary backlogs in several municipalities.
The President's call forms part of a broader government agenda to restore credibility in local governance and improve service delivery standards in line with Vision 2030.
Under the new Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework, local authorities are expected to meet specific performance targets in critical areas such as water provision, refuse collection, road maintenance, and housing delivery.
Meanwhile, the newly launched Urban State Land Management Policy seeks to curb corruption in land allocation and enhance urban planning, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Harare and Bulawayo.
As public frustration over service failures continues to grow, Mnangagwa's warning signals a potentially tougher stance on councils that fail to meet basic governance and financial reporting obligations.
Source - The Chronicle
